Showing posts with label watercolor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label watercolor. Show all posts
Monday, September 29, 2025
Monday, May 19, 2025
Black-capped Chickadee: Tiny Bird, Big Memory (and Bigger Attitude)
"Chickadee: Fluffball Genius in Disguise"
Don’t be fooled by the adorable “chicka-dee-dee-dee” call — the Black-capped Chickadee is a survival mastermind. Every fall, they basically hit “refresh” on their brain, growing new neurons so they can remember hundreds of hiding spots for food.
Imagine updating your phone’s memory every season, but cuter. Also, the more "dees" in their call, the higher the emergency level. (Translation: "Dee-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee!!" = "Something is trying to eat us!")
Sunday, December 12, 2021
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Ravens The Problem with Image
I grew up in the north about 600 miles south of the treeline. It was inhabited by many ravens. We didn't see them too often in the summer but as the cold weather arrived, they were more willing to come near people.
The colder the weather, the more of them you saw. Usually they sat on wires above your head all fluffed up and chilly looking.
Occasionally, the cold would break and for a week or so warm weather would come. Just like children let out at recess, these huge birds would react by flying loops, diving and generally acting silly and calling to each other. Research says they are one of the most intelligent and the most playful of birds and to see them in action put a smile on your face. They have been observed playing tag with dogs and wolves and even making toys from sticks etc. I've seen videos of them undoing zippers on backpacks, garbage bags and opening containers.
In the spring, they perform the most beautiful aerial courtship dances. I spent many hours watching in fascination. It was even possible to see them fly upside down in their efforts to impress. I don't know if it got them a mate but it sure impressed me.
Unfortunately, they have a bad image but maybe that's been their salvation because with their intelligence if they were beautiful seed eaters they would have been captured then sold as pets.
So I draw them because I love them and have fond memories
The colder the weather, the more of them you saw. Usually they sat on wires above your head all fluffed up and chilly looking.
Occasionally, the cold would break and for a week or so warm weather would come. Just like children let out at recess, these huge birds would react by flying loops, diving and generally acting silly and calling to each other. Research says they are one of the most intelligent and the most playful of birds and to see them in action put a smile on your face. They have been observed playing tag with dogs and wolves and even making toys from sticks etc. I've seen videos of them undoing zippers on backpacks, garbage bags and opening containers.
In the spring, they perform the most beautiful aerial courtship dances. I spent many hours watching in fascination. It was even possible to see them fly upside down in their efforts to impress. I don't know if it got them a mate but it sure impressed me.
Unfortunately, they have a bad image but maybe that's been their salvation because with their intelligence if they were beautiful seed eaters they would have been captured then sold as pets.
So I draw them because I love them and have fond memories
and then of course Halloween is coming and there's always Edgar Allen Poe
Sunday, November 29, 2015
December - A Month of Raccoons
December is Raccoon month at Country Mouse Studio
I recently received an email from a US Marine who had a request.
He wanted to know if I'd paint a special Raccoon for him.
Him and his wife had an encounter with one while dating
and now after many years of marriage he wanted
to get her a special gift that would mean
a lot to both of them.
Being a raccoon fan myself how could I resist?
Their little fellow needed to have a top hat, a cane and a pocket watch
so here he is!
Their little fellow needed to have a top hat, a cane and a pocket watch
so here he is!
I know they can cause a lot of grief by getting into your house and garbage but I also know there are many people who love them so this is their month.
I found this sweet story about a Raccoon rescue named Pumpkin on Instagram
Pumpkin the Raccoon
I have always been fond of Raccoons and they were the first wild animal I drew. I was so pleased one day to meet a kid who had one as a pet. I was surprised to find that his fur looked soft but was rough and bristly but all the better to shed water, I guess.
Later, we moved to an area that had Raccoons. I only heard about it because they'd get into everyone's garbage at night. No one had a good thing to say about them but I hoped I'd see one.
A few more years passed and we moved into a community by a creek. Then one night on our deck one peered into the patio door. Before long we had quite a few of them who would come by and visit.
I found this sweet story about a Raccoon rescue named Pumpkin on Instagram
Pumpkin the Raccoon
I have always been fond of Raccoons and they were the first wild animal I drew. I was so pleased one day to meet a kid who had one as a pet. I was surprised to find that his fur looked soft but was rough and bristly but all the better to shed water, I guess.
Later, we moved to an area that had Raccoons. I only heard about it because they'd get into everyone's garbage at night. No one had a good thing to say about them but I hoped I'd see one.
A few more years passed and we moved into a community by a creek. Then one night on our deck one peered into the patio door. Before long we had quite a few of them who would come by and visit.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Autumn Chickadees & Owls
Thanks to Jean at http://jean-livingsimple.blogspot.com/ I have been enjoying the contest https://apps.facebook.com/birdingthenet/ to find birds. It's great fun but not too conducive to getting work done.
We've finally had enough cold weather to turn the leaves in some areas and I still haven't had any luck getting out to view nature so I have no photos just some Autumn art:
Autumn, Fall, Watercolor Chickadee, Bird by countrymousestudio
Shop for another gift box
Who doesn't love a Chickadee?
Or an owl
We've finally had enough cold weather to turn the leaves in some areas and I still haven't had any luck getting out to view nature so I have no photos just some Autumn art:
Autumn, Fall, Watercolor Chickadee, Bird by countrymousestudio
Shop for another gift box
Who doesn't love a Chickadee?
Or an owl
Friday, April 15, 2011
Fishing - Kingfisher Bird
I'm back... kind of, sort of and hoping to catch up on what's been going on.
After being hit with a cold/flu that never wanted to go away and finally getting ill enough to drop milk from my diet, I thought I might give up blogging but I really miss all of you and kept wondering how everyone was doing.
I haven't had much time for art and certainly haven't had much nature in my life other than the sparrows, doves and quail that wake me up each morning to remind me to feed them. It's been a cold, unpredictable spring here and not appealing enough to draw me outside when I'm not feeling well but I am optimistic that I will get a chance to enjoy some nature soon and I'm looking forward to visiting all your wonderful blogs.
Enough rambling, here's an painting I did with my son-in-law in mind. He's an avid fisherman who also loves birds . In September, he and my daughter moved to the "Fishing Capitol" and they looked forward to many days of great fishing as they usually catch a lot. Unfortunately, in the time they've been there, they've caught only one small fish and so in honor of this, the Kingfisher came to mind.
Funny, Humor Fishing - Kingfisher by countrymousestudio
Belted Kingfisher - with fish - Bird Collection by countrymousestudio
.
After being hit with a cold/flu that never wanted to go away and finally getting ill enough to drop milk from my diet, I thought I might give up blogging but I really miss all of you and kept wondering how everyone was doing.
I haven't had much time for art and certainly haven't had much nature in my life other than the sparrows, doves and quail that wake me up each morning to remind me to feed them. It's been a cold, unpredictable spring here and not appealing enough to draw me outside when I'm not feeling well but I am optimistic that I will get a chance to enjoy some nature soon and I'm looking forward to visiting all your wonderful blogs.
Enough rambling, here's an painting I did with my son-in-law in mind. He's an avid fisherman who also loves birds . In September, he and my daughter moved to the "Fishing Capitol" and they looked forward to many days of great fishing as they usually catch a lot. Unfortunately, in the time they've been there, they've caught only one small fish and so in honor of this, the Kingfisher came to mind.
Funny, Humor Fishing - Kingfisher by countrymousestudio
Belted Kingfisher - with fish - Bird Collection by countrymousestudio
.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds didn't come into my life until I moved to a home that had a hummingbird feeder. After settling in to my new surroundings, I walked out onto the front deck and saw the feeder hanging there and thought, "I may as well give it a try".
This was before the internet and Google with its instant access to information so I had to wait until I went to the library to find a recipe for the food.
I filled the feeder then forgot it for spring was arriving, gardens needed tending and lawns needed mowing. I don't remember how much time passed but enough for me to completely forget about the feeder, as it hung high above my clothesline and out of my line of sight.
After hanging my second towel on the line, I reached into my basket for another and heard a loud whirring sound next to my ear. The hummingbirds had found the feeder and from that day on they visited regularly.
What amazed me was their lack of fear. They would zip by, inches from my head, oblivious to me or my actions unless I got in the way of them and their feeder. This continued throughout the summer and I learned to love them, their bravery and their determination.
They are a wonderful bit of nature that are easy for us to enjoy
Sister Custom Birthday Rufous Hummingbird Greeting Card by countrymousestudio
Find more note cards online at zazzle.com
This was before the internet and Google with its instant access to information so I had to wait until I went to the library to find a recipe for the food.
I filled the feeder then forgot it for spring was arriving, gardens needed tending and lawns needed mowing. I don't remember how much time passed but enough for me to completely forget about the feeder, as it hung high above my clothesline and out of my line of sight.
After hanging my second towel on the line, I reached into my basket for another and heard a loud whirring sound next to my ear. The hummingbirds had found the feeder and from that day on they visited regularly.
What amazed me was their lack of fear. They would zip by, inches from my head, oblivious to me or my actions unless I got in the way of them and their feeder. This continued throughout the summer and I learned to love them, their bravery and their determination.
They are a wonderful bit of nature that are easy for us to enjoy
Christmas Dated Custom Rufous Hummingbird Bird Art Silver Plated Framed Ornament by countrymousestudio
Sister Custom Birthday Rufous Hummingbird Greeting Card by countrymousestudio
Find more note cards online at zazzle.com
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Great Blue Heron
We are fortunate to live in an area with Great Blue Herons. Just between our Walmart and the downtown area is a creek and alongside it they've build a heronry.
They remind me of prehistoric birds and I always feel like I'm seeing something from a movie.
In the field, not far from my home is a creek and often, you can find a lone Heron fishing there. One summer afternoon, I spotted one staring at the water. It stood so still it didn't seem real so I stayed and watched, determined not to leave until I'd seen it move. My mind told me it wasn't a statue (who'd put one out in a field?) but I had a hard time believing any living thing could remain so completely motionless for so long.
It eventually decided there was no fish in the creek and without warning, flapped it's huge wings, made a weird un-bird-like harsh croaking sound and flew away.
Most mornings, they can be spotted flying over the city and out to the many lakes in the area. I've been told by people who have ponds that they cannot put fish in them because if the raccoons don't get them the herons do.
Merry Christmas Great Blue Heron Bird Nature Art Silver Plated Framed Ornament by countrymousestudio
Magpies Again
Yesterday was a beautiful warm day. It was a nice break and reminder that spring will one day return. On my way to work in the morning, I have to pass a gate that requires me to input a code. That meant I had to roll down my window and in doing so I heard a group of Magpies chattering.
What a beautiful sight! A frost covered birch tree with 10 Magpies. It looked like a Christmas card. Guess I'll have to find time to paint that one. That's the only problem with life, it interferes with the painting of it.
What a beautiful sight! A frost covered birch tree with 10 Magpies. It looked like a Christmas card. Guess I'll have to find time to paint that one. That's the only problem with life, it interferes with the painting of it.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Otters
I doubt if it's possible to see an otter up close and not fall in love with them. What other wild animal has so much joy in playing.
Nature programs on television always show the ones wrapped up in seaweed lying on their backs cracking oysters on their bellies with a rock. A quick look through Google images will reveal incredible photos,their faces are so expressive.
We lived near a river that had otters but unfortunately, I was never able to catch them at play. I could only find the mudslides they made all along the banks. Anywhere there was a bit of a stream pouring into the river, they would slip down it until they had created quite a well shaped muddy slide. I'd find little footprints and could imagine the fun they'd had but I'm not sure what time of day or night they came so our paths never crossed.
This little fellow I drew seemed to have that curious look on his face that typifies the species.
Nature programs on television always show the ones wrapped up in seaweed lying on their backs cracking oysters on their bellies with a rock. A quick look through Google images will reveal incredible photos,their faces are so expressive.
We lived near a river that had otters but unfortunately, I was never able to catch them at play. I could only find the mudslides they made all along the banks. Anywhere there was a bit of a stream pouring into the river, they would slip down it until they had created quite a well shaped muddy slide. I'd find little footprints and could imagine the fun they'd had but I'm not sure what time of day or night they came so our paths never crossed.
This little fellow I drew seemed to have that curious look on his face that typifies the species.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
California Quail
When I first moved to the Okanagan Valley, I kept hearing a comical "woo hoo" sound. It was such a silly sound, that I had to find out what it was. I asked but amazingly couldn't find anyone that knew or even noticed.
One day, while out walking, I heard the sound again and was determined to find it, so I followed the sound. Sitting on a post, overlooking the yard was a chubby, little bird with a feather curling straight up and out of his forehead. I had heard of quail before and even had seen pictures of them before but never really paid attention, until I saw them up close.
It didn't take long to realize that this fellow sitting on the post was a guard for the flock feeding in the grass down below him. Apparently, local orchard owners imported them to eat the bugs and they do an excellent job and their numbers have been increasing until now, they roam in flocks everywhere.
California Quail have become an everyday sighting for me now. They are not hard to find in this area, especially in the spring, when the chicks are out feeding. The guard male "woo hoo's" almost constantly and between that and his silly plume he always brings a smile.
One day, while out walking, I heard the sound again and was determined to find it, so I followed the sound. Sitting on a post, overlooking the yard was a chubby, little bird with a feather curling straight up and out of his forehead. I had heard of quail before and even had seen pictures of them before but never really paid attention, until I saw them up close.
It didn't take long to realize that this fellow sitting on the post was a guard for the flock feeding in the grass down below him. Apparently, local orchard owners imported them to eat the bugs and they do an excellent job and their numbers have been increasing until now, they roam in flocks everywhere.
California Quail have become an everyday sighting for me now. They are not hard to find in this area, especially in the spring, when the chicks are out feeding. The guard male "woo hoo's" almost constantly and between that and his silly plume he always brings a smile.
Custom text or name California Quail Bird Nature Silver Plated Framed Ornament by countrymousestudio
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The Wolf
I grew up in the northern Canadian wilderness and often at night, we heard wolves howling. There is no more thrilling sound if you are home in your warm bed, nor frightening if you are outside by yourself.
We were isolated enough, that Timber Wolves still passed through our farm and I remember one morning hearing my parents excitedly call us kids outside. We stood shivering in our jackets and nightgowns staring at the biggest wolf footprints I'd ever seen. Apparently in the night, a pack of Timber Wolves had passed through our yard, howling just enough for us to know they were there. Then in the morning, my parents rushed out to see the footprints left behind
Although they'd seen many wolf footprints, these were so impressive that they took the old wash tub and placed it over top to preserve them for further inspection by friends and family.
In all the years we lived there, I never heard one story of a wolf pack attacking or even stalking humans and they had plenty of opportunity for roads were not plowed in the winter, so vehicles weren't used and people walked everywhere.
It wouldn't have been unusual to find a lone person walking at night, yet never a report of attack. My own father walked, pulling a sled, the 8 miles to town for groceries and supplies once a week and since it was dark out by 4pm he often came home alone in the dark.
As a result we learned to not fear wolves but it still didn't stop that thrill of excitement whenever we heard them.
Wolf Howling across Lonely Lake Monogram iPhone 5 Wallets by countrymousestudio
Check out other Name Wallet Cases at zazzle.com
We were isolated enough, that Timber Wolves still passed through our farm and I remember one morning hearing my parents excitedly call us kids outside. We stood shivering in our jackets and nightgowns staring at the biggest wolf footprints I'd ever seen. Apparently in the night, a pack of Timber Wolves had passed through our yard, howling just enough for us to know they were there. Then in the morning, my parents rushed out to see the footprints left behind
Although they'd seen many wolf footprints, these were so impressive that they took the old wash tub and placed it over top to preserve them for further inspection by friends and family.
In all the years we lived there, I never heard one story of a wolf pack attacking or even stalking humans and they had plenty of opportunity for roads were not plowed in the winter, so vehicles weren't used and people walked everywhere.
It wouldn't have been unusual to find a lone person walking at night, yet never a report of attack. My own father walked, pulling a sled, the 8 miles to town for groceries and supplies once a week and since it was dark out by 4pm he often came home alone in the dark.
As a result we learned to not fear wolves but it still didn't stop that thrill of excitement whenever we heard them.
Wolf Head Animal Birthday Custom Invite by countrymousestudio
World's Best Mom Wolf & Cubs Animal Watercolor Double-Sided Heart Ceramic Christmas Ornament by countrymousestudio
World's Best Mom Wolf & Cubs Animal Watercolor Double-Sided Heart Ceramic Christmas Ornament by countrymousestudio
Wolf Howling across Lonely Lake Monogram iPhone 5 Wallets by countrymousestudio
Check out other Name Wallet Cases at zazzle.com
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